Search - The Nice :: Swedish Radio Sessions

Fine early concert from the four-piece lineup

Michael Topper | Pacific Palisades, California United States | 02/11/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The early four-piece lineup of The Nice with guitarist Davy O'List is likely to appeal more to fans of psychedlia than progressive rock, although like the group's first album "The Thoughts Of Emerlist Davjack" there are definite signs in this early concert of the group's preferences for jazz and classical music. The sound quality is surprisingly exceptional, which is a big bonus toward recommending it since few taped concerts from this era sound this clear. The opening track "She Belongs To Me", which appeared in another live version on the group's third album, is strikingly different with the addition of O'List's guitar work, which evokes Hendrix but also adds his own brittle, eccentric additions. That O'List dominates the soloing here and on several other tracks on the CD shows that at this beginning stage of group's career, Emerson had not yet come to dominate. This was also pretty heavy, hard rocking stuff for October '67. "The Flower King Of Flies" and "The Thoughts Of Emerlist Davjack" are pretty similar to their studio renditions (minus the studio effects), but once again with even more prominent guitar. "Sombrero Sam" is an excellent long psych jam which features marvellous jazz-tinged soloing from both O'List and Emerson, and should've been on one of their albums; it is the best find on this release. "You Keep Me Hanging On" sounds, like the liner notes say, a bit sloppy and
unrehearsed although once again O'List provides some interesting
guitar fills here and there. The set closes with the earliest
recorded version of "Rondo", clocking in at twelve solid minutes and along with "Sombrero Sam" gives Emerson a chance to shine; it must've been obvious back in '67 that this was the most dazzling organist anyone had ever heard, and it now seems inevitable that O'List would depart within a year. At this time, however, he appeared confident in his abilities and thus
makes this a fascinating listen for anyone interested in hearing him during his peak influence in the band. As Emerson--as relatively limited as his contribution is--does not disappoint either, and the sound quality is pristine, I would recommend this to any fan of the group, but especially those drawn to the first album."

The Nice - 'Swedish Radio Sessions' (Castle)

Mike Reed | USA | 12/07/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Six previously unreleased 'versions' of tunes from The Nice's repertoire.Liked every track here,rather it be their covers,Bob Dylan's "She Belongs To Me" or Vanilla Fudge's hit "You Keep Me Hanging On",as well as "Flower King Of Flies" and the outstanding performance of the twelve - minute progressive gem "Rondo". Sound quality is very good, so is the price. Be you a new fan, a completist or just someone who has nothing to do BUT seek out such 'keeper' compilations to add to your already extensive collection, 'Swedish Radio Sessions' is a should-have."

Fantasic Find

kireviewer | Sunnyvale, Ca United States | 09/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the Nice's two best albums. This is a radio show done just before Nice's first album was released. The group is the full quartet of Keith Emerson, David O'List, Lee Jackson and Brian Davison. The album is 41 minutes long and the sound quality is very good. There are extensive liner notes.The group is more into jazz and rock at this time and hasn't yet gone off into art rock. The music is very lively and very edgy. In the earlier versions of the Nice, David O'List is the real leader. There are great, searing guitar solos. There is fantastic interplay between guitar and organ. The best thing on the album is the Charles Lloyd composition, Sombrero Sam. The version of Rondo here is the best on record. It has a very hard edge. I also like You Keep Me Hanging On, although the liner notes complain that it sounds too much like the Vanilla Fudge. The only "bad" track would be Thoughts Of Emerlist Davjack, which features horrendous singing from each of the members of the group.The only Nice album I like better than this one is Elegy. The piano solo on Hang On To A Dream is the best thing Keith Emerson has ever done. Like the girl on the back of the CD says, "Listen to the Nice"."